A17698:2093
Sermons upon Deuteronomy
The sermons of M. John Calvin upon the fifth book of Moses called Deuteronomy faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpit; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneva, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chief matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alleged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the fifth booke of Moses called Deuteronomie faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpet; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneua, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chiefe matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alledged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.
London: printed by Henry Middleton for George Bishop, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And after the same manner have the Heathen overshot themselves. For, because religion was to be maintained, they not discerning what they did, nor perceiving whether it was good or evil: did set themselves against the servants of God. Likewise dealt the Jews with the Prophets. Ye see then here is a point which it standeth us in hand to weigh well all our life long: and that is, that we must have known the true God, so as we may justly and without grudge of conscience condemn the errors which men would draw us to. Which thing will come to pass, if we have the light of Gods word to show us the way: for thence it is that all good discretion cometh.
And after the same manner haue the Heathen ouershot themselues. For, because religion was to bee maintained, they not discerning what they did, nor perceiuing whether it was good or euill: did set themselues against the seruauntes of God. Likewise dealt the Iewes with the Prophets. Yee see then here is a point which it standeth vs in hande to wey well all our life long: and that is, that wee must haue knowen the true God, so as wee may iustly and without grudge of conscience condemne the errours which men woulde drawe vs to. Which thing will come to passe, if wee haue the light of Gods worde to shewe vs the way: for thence it is that all good discretion commeth.
Now then, to the intent we may benefit our selves by this text, let us mark first of all what love we ought to bear to our Lord God, when he hath uttered himself unto us. Namely that we must beware that in any wise he may be served without gainsaying, and that the rule which he hath given us be unbroken, and that nothing be changed in his word, but that we make much more account of the doctrine which we have received of him, than of our lives. And therefore let us not be plucked back from the said zeal for any worldly respect as we see the world is, which favoureth more his own fleshly affections than God. But howsoever the case stand, yet must we fight against all impediments and distresses, until the said zeal do get the upper hand in us, so as we will rather cause them to dye which seek the defacing of the true Religion, than suffer such a plague to prevail in the Church, to the infecting and marring of our selves or of any others.